Cath set for march 25th

[Blake777]

I finally got a cath date. The hospital lost or never faxed paperwork to the cath lab, after about 5 days I decided to start dialing numbers. So it is set for March 25th and I am still nervous even though people have said it will be a breeze. I have to do pre-op as well and the pre-op is only good for five days, so I'm thinking my surgery has to be done right after this pre-op. Boy I am still shakin in my boots. I just read somewhere last night about the heart lung machine causes complications, If so does anyone know what they may be. Read something about blood tranfusions and risk of stroke. I asked my cardiologist if I would get a repair or a mechanical valve and he said most likely a mechanical valve because my valve was the one in front not the back that needed repair and he would leave it up to the surgeon, so it sounds like I might not get to pick my own valve. But I will be trying to ask all the questions I can before surgery. Thanks for listening again.

 

[KathyH]

Sounds like things are moving along for you. Keep in mind that the cardiologist wouldn't be able to tell you what kind of valve the surgeon will do. I know my surgeon said if he can't fix my valve, he would put in any valve I wanted. Just check out some of the other threads to help you out with questions you may want to ask the Dr. I will be right behind you, Cath March 31, surgery April 1, Good Luck to you. I hear the caths are not bad at all.
Kathy H

 

[Nancy]

Hi Blake-

Well, congratulations, your heart will be fixed up soon, and it won't be hanging over your head anymore.

Sure your worried, who wouldn't be? But you'll do fine. The surgery is highly perfected. You'll only be in the hospital 5-7 days, and then you'll be home again and on the mend.

Thank goodness it's something that can be fixed. Let us know the exact date.

 

[Ross]

Blake somethings stand out like a sore thumb and more so when you know your turn is coming up.

The Cath--It really isn't any big deal. Tell the crew what tunes you want to listen to during the procedure, kick back and relax. Some people say the numbing shot hurt a little. I myself didn't feel a thing. Enjoy the warmth rush when they inject the dye, it's really something else to experience. I mean that in a good way!

The heart lung machine--You've probably heard a bunch of old wives tales. Some people have some memory troubles, but it all comes back to you in time. No major thing here either.

Blood Transfusion--You'll most likely have your own blood recycled and replaced to you during the operation. If you need more blood afterward, don't sweat it. Todays blood supply is tested far better then any previous batches, so you should be fine.

The Risk Of Stroke--It is a possibility but every possible measure is taken to minimize that chance. It happens from time to time.

The Valve--It's your body, get what you want! Talk to the surgeon and go over a first, second, and third plan for replacement. Get as educated as you can before hand by reading all the threads you can around here.

Anything else you need, just ask. You know we will do as much as we can to make this event not so dang scary. Your human and I expect you to be scared. We all were/are, just don't let fear rule your life on this.

 

[Kathy]

Blake,

Many of us have been in your shoes and know that the prospect of open heart surgery is truly overwhelming.

My cardiologist told me it was likely that I would need a mechanical valve, but the surgeon felt that he could do a repair and indeed, he was able to do so. Try not to worry too much until you see the surgeon (more easily said than done), you'll have a better understanding of your options at that time.

It's great that you found this site, you'll get lots of support.

 

[Bryan B]

Blake,

Unless you already have a surgery date set, this pre-op is probably only for the cath. I had a pre-op specifically for the cath, and I have another one set for the day before surgery (whish is much more involved). The only thing they did at my cath pre-op was blood pressure, pulse, ekg, and drew one tube of blood. Most of the time was spent filling out some forms and waiting to have it done. And I'm telling you, my cath was a B R E E Z E! One moment of unpleasantness as they numbed up the groin, the rest of the time I was feeling great due to a mix of versed AND fentenyl running through my vein (got the cath report, didn't realize they threw some fentenyl in there for good measure...lol). Absolutely no other pain, just laid there and listened to the tunes they had going and drifting in and out of a very pleasant place. And the warm rush of dye felt good too. They used an angio-plug on me and I only had to lie still for 2hrs. After that I ate lunch, did a lap around the nurse's station and I was out of there.

 

[SJJ]

Blake,
The preceding posts responded to your concerns, I think. I just wanted to add my name to the pot of supporters here at VR.com. When this group puts our mind to it, we can create some mighty impressive positive energy and as your surgery date approaches, more and more will be focused on you. Good luck with your cath!
Sue

 

[Blake777]

Thank you all once again for every kind word. And I will be asking questions and doing research up until surgery. The pre-op probably is just for the cath, now that I think about it. I will be letting everyone know the surgery date. Thanks again.

 

[bvdr]

Hi Blake,

Make sure you know which valve has the problem. It sounds like it is probably the aortic. Also what caused your problem to begin with. Once you know, let us know too so we can respond more accurately to any questions you have.

I hope your cath goes well and that you are soon through your heart surgery so you can be on the mend.

 

[Lulabelle1]

Hi.
Worry ...you will, but after this experience, you'll wonder just "why" you cause yourself so much grief. Two things....either you'll be awake & get to watch on tv screen & see
"your inner works" & hear everything that is said & done..or you'll be in a peaceful sleep, & won't have a clue to what's going on. Either way, you'll not care what they do....the drugs they administer are great for the nerves. The most suprizing part for me was when they shot in the "dye"....it gives you a warm rush down south, and you'd swear you've wet yourself, but you didn't ( they'll warn you if you're awake when to expect it). The worse part is laying still afterwards for so long with sand-bag on the entry site.... your back is gonna hurt worse than anything.....but you'll walk out of there the same day... with just a sore spot for a reminder.
Good luck! Let us know how it went. Lulabelle

 

[McCln]

Blake

Blake

Do not sweat the cardio cath. You just relax and let the doctor an techs do their thing. I was surprised at how much the cath has changed over the years. They used to run the cath and you felt pressure when they reached the heart. Now, all you feel is the dye they use, it is warm from the toes to the head and back down. They were checking my arteries to make sure that they were clear. When the clear resault was found, I said, "yeah." So do not worry, the cathe is nothing to worry about. Just relax. Take care.

Caroline
09-13-01
Aortic valve replacement
St. Jude's valve